Don't eat the fish?

Friday

While many people might be looking at adding more fish to their diet for Lent, they should limit how much fish they eat from Pennsylvania rivers, state officials warned.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and departments of Environmental Protection, Health and Agriculture released their annual fish consumption advisory Thursday with an eye on protecting residents from possible contaminants.

In Beaver and Lawrence counties, the state says those drawing carp and channel catfish from the Beaver River — from the confluence of the Mahoning and Shenango rivers to the New Brighton Dam — should not eat the fish. Previously, consumption was limited to six meals per year because of PCB contamination. PCBs are a now-banned toxic chemical that was used as coolants and insulating fluids for industrial plants.

“Consumption advisories are not intended to discourage anyone from fishing or eating fresh fish in moderation,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “At-risk groups and those who regularly eat sports fish are more susceptible to contaminants that can build up in fish over time, so they should space out fish meals according to the advisories and in consultation with their physician.”

“While fish can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, some fish caught in Pennsylvania may contain chemicals of concern, such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. These contaminants are found in some waterways because of their use in industry before many environmental regulations existed,” the report said.

Statewide, officials are urging residents to limit consumption of Pennsylvania fish to one meal per week. One meal is considered to be a half-pound of fish for a 150-pound person.

Officials also are saying eating state-harvested mussels and clams is forbidden in Pennsylvania.

“Pennsylvania’s fish consumption message is consistent with the story being told throughout the country — eat fish, but choose wisely,” Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway said.

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